Increased consumer interest in collagen supplements and potential demand for porcine-derived ingredients provides an opportunity to promote this often “overlooked” alternative to bovine and fish collagen, explains Gaetan Noiret, Rousselot Global Director, Health and Nutrition.
“Our Ghent facility is perfectly positioned to produce first class collagen peptides of porcine origin - giving manufacturers the opportunity to diversify their offerings with accessible, world-leading ingredients supported by credible scientific research – ensuring a speedy path to market.”
The new 75,000m2 production site in Belgium will be dedicated to Peptan P manufacturing (as well as its hydrolysed collagen brand, ProTake) and will improve accessibility and time-to-market of the “premium collagen” brand.
With demand at an all-time high, the time was ripe to expand its production capabilities for Peptan P, Noiret comments: “The addition of a new production line allows us to reach further with our customers, delivering the safe, traceable and science-backed collagen solutions they need to succeed in today’s market.
Growth opportunity
The increase in porcine collagen production is consistent with Rousselot’s recent rolling expansion programme, which reflects changing market dynamics.
Since 2019 the company has doubled collagen peptide production facilities, from two to four sites, in order to satisfy increasing demand.
Consumer demand for collagen is reflected in a three-fold increase in product launches between 2017 and 2021, with further growth predicted, according to Caroline Brochard-Garnier, Rousselot Director Communications & PR: “The global collagen market is truly booming – valued at €7.4bn ($8.36bn) in 2020 with a predicted CAGR of 9.1% between 2021-2027.
“Better-informed than ever before thanks to the internet, today’s shoppers proactively seek information on ingredients to determine if they’re right for them and their health goals.”
However, in spite of these gains, demand for porcine collagen (as opposed beef (bovine) and fish is a relatively untapped market: “The supply of beef and fish collagen has met with massive success in recent years. However, there is an opportunity for porcine collagen to take a more prominent role in the nutraceutical market.”
Health benefits
The benefits of porcine collagen are similar to those from other sources, the company maintains, and this is supported by multiple scientific studies that have identified specific health benefits, including for skin, muscle, joint and bone health.
Many people are only just starting to discover the benefits of porcine collagen and recognise it is an ingredient with a huge wealth of health benefits and application options.
Brochard-Garnier maintains: “With a bank of well-established scientific research underpinning its effectiveness, it’s unsurprising that collagen is proving particularly popular with conscious consumers.
“The current trend for ‘beauty from within’ for example, is driving demand for high-quality collagen as consumers increasingly sifting to a more preventative approach to skincare, seeking to ‘feed’ their skin and hair’s beauty, rather than concealing imperfections
Background
Up until now the facility at Ghent has specialised in porcine collagen extraction and also incorporates research & development (R&D) and application labs, a sensory program, as well as a pilot hall, which assesses all product and process innovations. The site is HACCP, IFS and FASFC-certified.
Peptan P is manufactured using GMO-free, locally sourced raw materials, traceable to within four hours of Ghent. The ingredient is versatile and cost-effective; it is also highly bioavailable, cold water-soluble and has a neutral sensory profile.
Brochard-Garnier adds: “As a stringently tested yet cost-effective ingredient, porcine collagen allows for the creation of premium products, at entry-level prices. This accessibility makes Peptan P the perfect product to address current market trends – making the benefits of collagen peptides available to a larger number of consumers.”
